Phylicia Barnes, a 16-year-old North Carolina girl, disappears in northwest Baltimore in December 2010. Her body would be found months later in the Susquehanna River, and an arrest in the case wouldn't come for another year thereafter.

Baltimore City police announced that Michael Johnson, 28, was arrested late Wednesday night and indicted on one count of first-degree murder in the death of Barnes, of Monroe, N.C., who disappeared in 2010 while visiting family in the Baltimore area.

Police said Johnson was a long-time family friend and the last person to see Barnes alive.

Barnes' body was found in the Susquehanna River in April 2011 by workers at the Conowingo Dam who were clearing tropical storm and flooding debris.

At a press conference Thursday afternoon (transcript | transcript for smartphones), Baltimore City State's Attorney Gregg Bernstein said Thursday that a bail hearing hasn't yet been set. He would not comment on the investigation, but he credited the city's homicide unit, the FBI and other agencies for the hard work they've put into the case in the 16 months since Barnes disappeared.

"We believe that we got the right guy," Bernstein said.

He said he hopes the indictment will finally help bring closure to the family.

"This has been an ordeal for them," Bernstein said. "I think the fact that the investigation proceeded for a year before we could bring charges put them in some state of limbo, so I hope this provides some measure of closure."

Barnes' family overjoyed, but not surprised at arrest

"When Phylicia's father called me, I was overjoyed," said Harry Watson, the victim's uncle, who lives in Baltimore. "I stayed up all night sending messages to all my friends."

He said the family wasn't shocked by the arrest because they've suspected Johnson from the start, even though they've known the 28-year-old for a long time.

"(Johnson) and Deena, Phylicia's sister, had been in a relationship for a lot of years," Watson said. "I would hope that he would do the right thing. If it was him, tell the truth -- tell the truth and give Phylicia's family some type of closure."

He said he believes Deena Barnes was overjoyed at the news of the arrest.

"She was crying last night, but she was laughing last night, also," Watson said.

Phylicia's brother, Bryan Barnes (pictured right with Watson), said he keeps a necklace given to him by a stranger with his sister's photo in it around his neck at all times.

"It keeps her in our memory. It never comes off," he said.

He said as far as the family was concerned, they thought Johnson was a good guy.

"There's no way to tell that somebody can be a murder. … I never would have thought that. The very first night, when I first got the call, it was just lingering. Everything pointed back to him, and we just kind of had a feeling, but we were just waiting to see what the police came up with," Bryan Barnes said.

He said he wasn't aware of any history of violence in Johnson's past, and he said Johnson was close with Phylicia and called the teen his little sister.

Bryan Barnes said despite the tragedy his family had endured, some good has come from Phylicia's death.

"We have a foundation in her honor now, so want to try to help as many other people going through the same situation as us," he told reporters. "My sister is gone, but the foundation has been kicked off, and we're doing a lot of stuff, raising money and helping other families. We're just trying to be a support system for people who don't really have it."

When asked what he'd tell Phylicia if he had the chance, Bryan Barnes said, "I would tell her, 'We finally did it.'"

Russell Barnes, Phylicia's father, told 11 News by phone that the arrest was great news. He said it's been a long time coming.

"This is very great news," Russell Barnes said. "We know we have a long way to go, but we just want to let everybody know that were going to fight for justice for our loved ones."

Johnson's attorney surprised by arrest

11 News spoke with Johnson's attorney, Russell Neverdon, on Thursday morning. He said as many as five vehicles full of police officers showed up at his client's home about 11:10 p.m. Wednesday and searched the house without a warrant before arresting Johnson.

Neverdon expressed surprise that police arrested Johnson now because he said they've pulled his DNA and phone logs in the past, as well as searched his computer, I-Team reporter David Collins said. Neverdon said the officers took items out of the house, including Johnson's house and car keys.

Neverdon accused prosecutors of a rush to judgment, saying, "I think that, at best, the only thing they have is a circumstantial case."

Johnson's family released the following statement Thursday night through an attorney, saying, "It is with hope that this is a matter tried by 12 fair and impartial persons who can base their verdict solely up on the evidence and the state proving its case against him beyond a reasonable doubt and not the influence of emotions and media hype."

Barnes' case has drawn national attention and has also inspired legislation in Annapolis designed to improve coordination between lawmakers and volunteers in missing children cases.

Barnes was reported missing on Dec. 28, 2010, while she was visiting with family at the Reisterstown Square Apartments in the 6500 block of Eberle Drive in northwest Baltimore.

Medical examiners ruled Barnes' death a homicide. According to a source, the cause of death was asphyxiation. The source also said Johnson was seen carrying a large rubber-based container to his car around the time Barnes disappeared.

Statement from Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

"This morning, people throughout Baltimore woke to news of an arrest of a suspect in the death of Phylicia Barnes. We are grateful for the combined efforts of the Baltimore Police Department, Maryland State Police, and the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office for their commitment to solving this tragic crime. We hope that today's action puts us closer to bringing Phylicia's killer to justice.

"The family of Phylicia Barnes is in our thoughts and prayers today. We hope that the arrest brings a measure of solace to the family as they continue to grieve for their loss."

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